Donato Barcaglia Sculpture Exceeds Expectations at Mallams’ 29 June Country House Sale

A striking marble sculpture of a young girl with her hand raised, standing on a circular plinth (lot 60A) was highly contested at the Cheltenham Country House Sale held on 29 June.

Measuring just under a metre in height and made by the Italian sculptor Donato Barcaglia (1849-1930), it was inscribed with the artist’s name on the base, and carried an estimate of £5000-£7000. However, it clearly piqued interest, with the hammer finally falling at £10,200 to a UK telephone bidder.

Also proving popular was lot 162, a charming, signed oil on canvas by Jan Zoetelief Tromp (1872-1947) a painter and lithographer who was born in Jakarta and later lived and worked in the Netherlands and France.

Entitled 'Children Sledging with a Dog', it sold to a European telephone bidder for the low end estimate of £6000.

Sailor’s sweetheart or valentines terrariums were often made by sailors as love tokens during their long trips away from home, and would have helped to pass the interminable hours at sea. A pair of Victorian sailor’s sweetheart terrariums was included in the sale (lot 351) and featured various sea shells arranged in an intricate pattern, depicting floral arrangements and birds under glass domes. Standing at 46cm high and with wooden bases, these terrariums clearly captured bidders’ hearts with a final, winning bid of £3600, well above the £300-£500 estimate.

A painted, porcelain plaque from the Berlin KPM (Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur or Royal Porcelain Factory, founded in 1763 by King Frederick II of Prussia) also featured in Mallams’ sale. Lot 443, dating from the 19^th century and measuring 40 x 34.5cm, was entitled 'The Violin Recital' and featured a young man playing a violin with a sleeping maiden resting her head upon his knee. Signed by J Foyl it was estimated at £500-£700 but significant interest saw the price rise to double top estimate, eventually selling for £1400.

Another lot that performed well, was lot 300A, a pair of late 17^th century English Delft baluster vases. Possibly made in London, they featured tin glazed pottery, and were decorated in the Ming style, with figures and landscapes. Estimated at £400-£600, interest amongst bidders took the price to £1100.

Mallams Cheltenham is now inviting entries for its September Indian & Islamic + Interiors Sale so if you have any interesting items you are considering selling at auction please email Robin Fisher at robin@mallams.co.uk for a free, informal valuation.

All prices are subject to a 30% buyers' premium (VAT inclusive).